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Nat Geo digs deep as Explorer Film Festival returns with fresh stories
MUMBAI: Adventure calls again and this time, it’s cinematic. National Geographic is rolling out the yellow carpet for the return of its Explorer Film Festival, a celebration of bold ideas, breathtaking quests, and the indomitable human spirit. The much-loved festival premieres on Sunday, 9 November at 10 pm, promising an evening of storytelling that travels from the ocean floor to volcanic peaks.
Continuing National Geographic’s legacy of inspiring curiosity, the 2025 edition spotlights Explorers scientists, conservationists, and adventurers whose work blurs the line between passion and peril. Whether it’s uncovering ancient secrets, saving species, or pushing the limits of human endurance, each film captures the thrill of discovery in its purest form.
The global lineup reads like a love letter to exploration.
. Love + War follows Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario, who has risked her life on frontlines from Afghanistan to Ukraine to reveal the human cost of conflict.
. The Last Rhinos: A New Hope chronicles a daring scientific mission to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction through the world’s first surrogate rhino pregnancy.
. Secrets of the Penguins dives into the icy lives of these resilient creatures, their courage, bonds, and surprising intelligence.
. Titanic: The Digital Resurrection resurfaces the world’s most famous shipwreck using cutting-edge 3D scanning to create a digital twin of the Titanic for a hauntingly immersive exploration.
. Explorer: Lake of Fire takes viewers into the molten heart of an uncharted volcano as scientists seek answers to one of nature’s most explosive mysteries.
. Explorer: The Deepest Cave journeys into the Earth’s underbelly, where cavers navigate perilous underground mazes to reach the planet’s lowest known depths.
Each film in the Explorer series isn’t just about discovery, it’s about reflection. It questions how far we’ve come, what we’ve lost, and what remains to be found.
To drum up anticipation, National Geographic will launch a nationwide promo campaign two weeks ahead of the premiere. The teaser already hints at breathtaking visuals, edge-of-seat drama, and heart-stirring human stories, an ode to the restless spirit of exploration.
With themes spanning love, loss, courage, and curiosity, this year’s Explorer Film Festival invites audiences to look beyond borders, dive beneath the surface, and climb into the unknown, one frame at a time.
So, mark your calendars. On 9 November at 10 PM, switch on National Geographic and prepare to journey from the deepest caves to the coldest ice caps proof that the world’s greatest stories aren’t just out there; they’re waiting to be explored.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
